G & J Greenall 'Best North West Bartender' announced

Published: 22 March, 2012

Joey Butcher from Manchester's Épernay Champagne Bar, is the winner of the first G & J Greenall, North West Best Bartender competition.

Butcher, a mixologist and supply teacher, was one of nine finalists asked to show their flair by serving a unique twist on the royal favourite, G&T, and by creating a long cocktail inspired by the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - both using Greenall's Original London Dry Gin.

Butcher's offered a "twist" on a the conventional G&T using a touch of Laphroaig Quarter Cask single malt whisky.

His main cocktail named 'Cold Fusion' used a mix of Greenall's Original London Dry Gin, Giffard Litchi liqueur, apple juice, pineapple juice and cherry bitters.

Butcher won on taste, innovation, creativity, presentation and product knowledge.

The competition took place at the Ember Lounge, Malmaison, Manchester, where master distiller, Joanne Moore, awarded Butcher the G & J Greenall North West Best Bartender title and a £500 cash prize.